Adenoid cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the cells in the adenoid tissue. The spelling of the word "adenoid" is pronounced as /ˈædənɔɪd/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The spelling of the word originates from the Greek word "aden," meaning gland, and "eidos," meaning form. The word "cancer" is also pronounced as /ˈkænsər/ in the IPA. Early detection and treatment of adenoid cancer are crucial to increase the chances of recovery.
Adenoid cancer, also known as nasopharyngeal carcinoma, is defined as a malignant neoplasm that arises from the epithelial cells located in the nasopharynx, which is the upper part of the throat behind the nose. This type of cancer is relatively rare, accounting for less than 1% of all cancer cases worldwide, but it is more common in certain geographic areas, such as Southeast Asia and Northern Africa.
Adenoid cancer typically develops from the epithelial lining of the nasopharynx and may spread to nearby lymph nodes or other distant sites if left untreated. The precise cause of the disease is still unclear, although some risk factors, such as infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), consumption of certain preserved foods, exposure to certain industrial chemicals, and genetic predisposition, have been identified.
Symptoms of adenoid cancer may include a persistent sore throat, nasal congestion, a lump or mass in the neck, difficulty swallowing, changes in voice, and frequent ear infections. However, these symptoms can be non-specific and can resemble other benign conditions, making early diagnosis challenging.
Treatment options for adenoid cancer vary depending on the stage and extent of the disease. They may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery, or a combination of these approaches. Prognosis for adenoid cancer depends on various factors, including the stage at diagnosis, histological type, and the patient's overall health. Early detection and comprehensive management are crucial for improving outcomes and survival rates. Regular check-ups and screening tests can aid in the early detection of this rare cancer.
Tubular c., cylindroma.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "adenoid cancer" does not have a specific etymology because "adenoid" refers to the adenoids, and "cancer" refers to a malignant tumor. However, to provide some insight, "adenoid" is derived from the Greek word "adenoeidḗs", meaning "glandular", and is also related to the Greek word "ádos", meaning "gland". "Cancer" comes from the Latin word "cancer", which translates to "crab" and is believed to describe the appearance of certain tumors due to the finger-like projections that resemble crab legs.